1973–74 European Cup Winners' Cup
The European Cup Winners 'Cup in 1973/74 was the 14th playout of the competition of European Football Cup Winners' Cup. 32 club teams from 32 countries participated in the competition. Among these 26 national cup winners, including defending champion AC Milan, who was also once again become Italian Cup Winners' Cup, as well as 6 losing cup finalists (CS Fola Esch, SK Rapid Wien, Pezoporikos Larnaca, PAOK Thessaloniki, Beroe Stara Zagora and MKE Ankaragucu ) were located. Since Cup finalists Juventus Turin became Italian champion and had thus qualified for the European Champions Cup in 1973/74, Italy was represented by only one team. Albania reported this season, no team.
From Germany, the DFB Cup winners Borussia Mönchengladbach were, from the GDR of fdgb Cup winners 1.FC Magdeburg, from Austria ÖFB Cupfinalist SK Rapid Wien and FC Zurich in Switzerland at the start.
This European campaign brought the first and only success of their team from the GDR in the European Cup. The coached by Heinz Krügel 1 FC Magdeburg defeated in the final to AC Milan, and thus prevented the successful title defense. The final in Rotterdam took place against the backdrop of minus 4,641 spectators. This is so far the smallest crowd of spectators at a European Cup final.
Scorer was Jupp Heynckes Borussia Mönchengladbach with a total of eight hits.
Mode
The participants played as usual in pure Cup mode with return games the winner. Was there after two games Torgleichstand, the number of away goals scored decided ( away goals ). Was also equal in number to an extension took place in the return game in which was also the away goals rule. Ruled by the end of the extension is still a tie, a penalty shoot-out was performed. The final was decided on one game at a neutral venue. If the score is level after extra time the winner would also have been determined in a penalty shootout.
First round
The first legs took place on 19-20. September and the return legs held on 22 September and 3 October 1973.
2nd round
The first legs took place on November 7, 1973 October 24, the return games.
Quarterfinals
The first legs took place on 5/6 March ( Milan to Thessaloniki on 13 ), the return legs on March 20, 1974.
Semifinal
The first leg was held on 10 April and the return legs on April 24, 1974.